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Can gaming be good for kids?

The use of video games, particularly when it comes to children, is a controversial topic with parents. Some parents are staunch opponents of any sort of gaming for kids, while others think it’s perfectly fine. Often our opinions are formed without any real understanding of what's involved with gaming because, like almost anything, there's good along with the bad.

The benefits of gaming

According to experts, it’s not all doom and gloom and if you choose carefully gaming can actually be good for kids. “Non-violent games played in moderation can be very good for kids, especially when they play together, side by side,” says psychologist Jocelyn Brewer. “Well designed games use high-level game mechanics to create engaging narratives and compelling goals and challenges. The levels built into the game are designed so that you play at the right level of difficulty which in turns promotes a feeling of success and the desire to continue to play (and win)."

According to Brewer, many games contribute to active learning and the development of important skills. “Games promote problem solving and cognitive skill development – not so much verbal skills though and the sense of playing together develops team work skills and cooperation."

Gaming and the real world

Mum Terri Ioannou allows her two children to play games on the iPhone, iPad, Wii and the computer. “I think they can be beneficial if the kids are using sequencing to achieve an outcome, having to read to understand what comes next, having to use reflexes to avoid obstacles, having to use problem solving to build or create. From a gaming point of view, I find my son takes ideas from the gaming and translates it into other play. My son is also dealing with the concept of failing and trying again and has started recognising that with effort and/or smarts he can often overcome an obstacle.

“I hope this lesson translates to real life. He feels good about himself when he does achieve what he’s been aiming for in whatever game he’s playing and has said he’s proud of himself, so if his self-esteem is intact that suits me!”

Choose games wisely

Of course the key lies in choosing the right types of games for your kids. So how do we make the right decision?

Choose games without excessive violence.

Look for games with pro-social goals, solving real world problems and evoking emotions in which there is empathy with characters and their story.

Parent beware

Ioannou says it's important for parents to be aware of what their children are playing. “I always know what games they have access to as hubby and I are the only ones who know our app store password! Some are skill-based, many are not, but most require some sort of intellectual response. I try to encourage a spread of games that are word-based, building-based, just for fun, puzzles and reflex oriented."

Ioannou won’t allow games that are violent or not age-appropriate and she always reads the reviews for the ones they want first to see what other people are saying. “I’m OK with the games as long as there is sport and play and social interaction – and common sense!”

Brewer says that supervision is imperative when it comes to children and gaming, as is putting time limits on game play. “People can, in some cases, develop dependence on gaming and overuse them to the degree that they have a negative impact on their life in terms of school/work and physical health and wellbeing. Some excessive gamers experience withdrawals when they can't access their games (or even some people with social media or their smartphones), and might become anxious or agitated by not being able to play. They might need to play for longer amounts of time to feel they are satisfied with their use of the game (their tolerance increases) and they might attempt to hide the amount of time they are using the game from their parents."

Supervising and setting limits

As parents, it's up to us to continually maintain the boundaries when it comes to kids and games says Brewer. “Unsupervised and unrestricted access to games/apps/devices/ and lack of boundaries with them can create lots of issues when kids do become dependent. Parents should be encouraged to set rules/boundaries around the limits and context for use and how screen time is a reward not a right.”

Terri has banned gaming during the week, only allowing games on weekend mornings. “My son who is six was getting very grumpy and disagreeable in the evenings if he played after school, rushing meals or chores to just get his hands on the iPad and generally disengaging with the rest of the family. Now we have homework, TV or free play and then dinner, bath, bed by 7-7.30pm and the house is much calmer since taking it away.

“Also I ban gaming on family holidays (especially at meals) to encourage tech-free play and natural curiosity. My kids are now only allowed to play on the weekend mornings as long as it’s 7am or later, which gives me some sleep-in time, and they get an hour each ... but that can sometimes stretch a bit!”